In 2021, following the successful hosting of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the second consecutive year amidst a global pandemic, the then Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Treasurer Arun Mr. Singh Dhumal offered some insightful observations.
“The venue in the UAE was like the perfect banquet for any celebration. Everything was perfectly prepared,” Dhumal said at the time.
Few expected the IPL to go ahead with much of the world under lockdown due to the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) rising to the challenge and strong support from the local government, the world’s largest T20 league went ahead without any problems. It will be held first in 2020 and again in 2021 in Dubai, Abu (second leg). Dabi, Sharjah.
The UAE will also host the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup, with India retaining the hosting rights.
Three years later, as Dubai and Sharjah prepare to host the region’s first global women’s cricket event, the Women’s T20 World Cup, Dhumal, who currently chairs the IPL Governing Council, said: Still stands by previous statement.
Dhumal believes the UAE’s world-class facilities, accessibility and professional approach have established the country as a premier cricket destination. “They ensured that everything was dignified and in order during the last two years, when no one imagined that we would be able to host a tournament like IPL due to COVID-19. has certainly helped build a positive image for the UAE. Officials say the UAE not only has all the facilities but also the expertise to resolve things in a very short period of time. “I understand that,” Dumar explained.
Its expertise has contributed to the development of what many now refer to as the ‘UAE model’.
Despite being an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the UAE positions itself as a major cricket destination and is often considered an alternative venue for major events in times of crisis. This year’s Women’s T20 World Cup is a case in point.
Initially, Bangladesh was scheduled to host the event. However, political turmoil following the flight of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina forced the ICC to find an alternative venue, although hosting rights remained with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
ICC CEO Geoff Allardyce said: “Due to government travel advisories for several participating teams, it was not possible[to host the tournament in Bangladesh].
The ICC considered other options. India, which shares a similar time zone with Bangladesh, was thought to be a potential host. However, as the home season got into full swing, the BCCI declined. Ultimately, the UAE emerged as the preferred option.
“After India refused to host the tournament, we held talks with the UAE and Sri Lanka and the former was preferred for several reasons. It was also very convenient for us,” said BCB Chairman Faruque Ahmed, who recently visited Dubai to oversee preparations.
“Logistically it’s convenient,” Ahmed said. “Travel to the UAE is easy for teams in terms of access, and we also have two top quality stadiums nearby, which is a huge advantage for a heated tournament.”
The 10 participating teams will be based in Dubai, a city with around 180 five-star hotels. They will train at the ICC Cricket Academy grounds and commute 30 kilometers to Sharjah for the matches. Abu Dhabi was not considered this time as it had been previously committed to hosting a bilateral series between Ireland and South Africa.
Allardice highlighted diversity as one of the UAE’s hallmarks. “One of the exciting things about the UAE is its diversity. It’s a place that represents the whole world and that’s why we’re sure there will be a lot of audience support.”
However, it is not easy to plan such a large-scale event on short notice. Mazar Khan, general manager of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, said: “It was a surprise, but we are used to such surprises.”
One of the big challenges for Dubai and Sharjah was getting the grounds ready for the height of summer, when temperatures can reach nearly 50 degrees Celsius. “It was the height of summer when we got this news, so we needed to prepare the ground. Thankfully, there were no games in between, so the pitch was well rested and ready to go,” said the veteran. Administrator Khan said. “In the UAE there is a lot of coordination between the ECB and the hosts Dubai and Sharjah, so we are quite used to these situations. Teamwork will help us overcome the initial challenges. ”
The ICC’s headquarters in Dubai streamlines coordination and avoids unnecessary delays in implementation. Officials watching the UAE’s transformation from afar agree that “smooth operations and good government support” are the cornerstones of the UAE’s success.
“Thanks to the tremendous support of the government and our extensive experience in organizing such events, we have been able to deliver a successful event every time. The UAE has been hosting cricket matches for over 40 years. “Such experience will make it easier to deal with logistical and security challenges,” said ECB member Zeid Abbas.
Although Dubai International Stadium has not hosted any matches recently, Sharjah Stadium has hosted three T20 internationals between Afghanistan and South Africa, making it the perfect prelude to the World Cup. “The ground is in good condition, a new scoreboard has been installed, new lighting has been installed and everything is ready for the highlight event,” Khan added.
Last year, the Men’s Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosting two matches. There were many logistical challenges for the cricket board and teams, with a lot of traveling from one city to another. “Last-minute changes create a logistical nightmare,” says Ahmed. “However, traveling in the UAE is easy and convenient in terms of access to the best facilities, hospitality and everything else. That is why the UAE has become a leading destination for global events and has lived up to its expectations for many years. Ta.”
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the UAE has assumed the responsibility of hosting several major sporting events such as MMA, BWF Badminton Series, IPL, PSL (Pakistan Super League) and Asia Cup, each time the nation has delivered a perfect performance. I’ve been showing it off. experience.
The UAE is determined to maintain its strong reputation for delivering world-class events as it prepares to host the Women’s T20 World Cup.